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End of the no-overtaking rule for motor vehicles over 3.5 t
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When you see the Zeichen
This sign ends the previously imposed no-overtaking restriction for motor vehicles over 3.5 t. Drivers affected may overtake again from this point onward, but only if visibility, traffic conditions, road markings and other regulations allow it.
Rules
- Zeichen 281 lifts only the no-overtaking restriction under Zeichen 277 for motor vehicles with a permissible maximum mass over 3.5 t and for tractors.
- Passenger cars and buses are exempt from the no-overtaking restriction under Zeichen 277; therefore, Zeichen 281 generally changes nothing for them.
- The restriction ends at the location of the sign, not before it.
- Other restrictions remain in force, such as a general no-overtaking restriction, a solid lane boundary or a no-overtaking restriction due to unclear traffic conditions.
- The sign does not permit overtaking if this would endanger oncoming traffic, involve driving closer than the required lateral distance or exceed the permitted maximum speed.
Tips
- Before overtaking, check whether any road markings or other traffic signs still prohibit it in addition to the restriction that has ended.
- Do not confuse this sign with Zeichen 282: Zeichen 281 ends only the special no-overtaking restriction for heavy motor vehicles.
- Do not change lanes until you have completely passed the sign.
- Do not let the end of the restriction tempt you to overtake immediately; especially when passing long or heavy vehicles, you must have enough room for the manoeuvre to be safe.
Common misunderstandings
- Learner drivers believe that Zeichen 281 lifts all no-overtaking restrictions and speed limits. In fact, only the no-overtaking restriction for vehicles covered by Zeichen 277 ends.
- The sign is confused with a restriction applying to motor vehicles over 3.5 t. However, it ends a no-overtaking restriction, not a traffic restriction or entry restriction.
- Some drivers begin overtaking shortly before the sign. The restriction is lifted only from the location of the sign.
Exam tip
In exam images, pay attention to the vehicle symbols: if a lorry and a passenger car are shown beneath the diagonal stripes, it is Zeichen 281. The typical trap is the answer that a speed limit or a general no-overtaking restriction has now also been lifted.
Did you know
Zeichen 281 can be identified by the black diagonal stripes across the vehicles shown in grey. Unlike Zeichen 282, it does not end all route-specific speed limits and no-overtaking restrictions, but only the special no-overtaking restriction for motor vehicles over 3.5 t.
Frequently asked questions
May I overtake immediately after Zeichen 281?
The special no-overtaking restriction is lifted only from the location of the sign. You may nevertheless overtake only if no other restriction applies and the manoeuvre can be carried out without endangering anyone.
Does Zeichen 281 also lift a speed limit?
No. An imposed speed limit remains in force until it ends or is lifted in another way.
Does Zeichen 281 also apply to a passenger car with a trailer?
The underlying no-overtaking restriction under Zeichen 277 generally exempts passenger cars. Therefore, for a passenger car with a trailer, Zeichen 281 normally does not end a restriction that previously applied to it; other overtaking rules must still be observed.
What is the difference between Zeichen 281 and Zeichen 282?
Zeichen 281 ends only the special no-overtaking restriction for motor vehicles over 3.5 t. Zeichen 282, on the other hand, marks the end of all route-specific speed limits and no-overtaking restrictions.
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Other Zeichen in the same category
Prohibition for vehicles of all kinds
Prohibition for motor vehicles
Prohibition for motor vehicles over 3.5 t
Prohibition for bicycle traffic
Prohibition for motorcycles
Prohibition for pedestrians
Prohibition for motor vehicles
Prohibition for motor vehicles carrying dangerous goods and subject to marking